crimeneutral

A Dangerous Trend: Crypto Heists on the Rise in France

Manosque, FranceFriday, January 9, 2026
Advertisement

A Recent Home Invasion in Manosque

  • Three masked men broke into a home in Manosque.
  • They tied up a woman and threatened her with a gun.
  • Their target? A USB drive full of crypto data.
  • The woman managed to escape and call the police.
  • Over 70 similar attacks worldwide last year.
  • France leads in Europe in crypto-related crimes.
  • Experts say the country's high crime rates, visible crypto wealth, and growing digital asset expertise make it a prime target.

Why Criminals Are Drawn to Crypto

  • Global reach and quick transfers.
  • Easier to move large sums of money across borders instantly.
  • Harder to trace than cash or traditional banking.
  • Better profits and faster payouts for criminals.

Insider Threats Add to the Risk

  • A French tax official was indicted last June.
  • She allegedly used tax records to identify crypto investors.
  • Passed their information to criminal networks.

The Dangers and the Need for Vigilance

  • The recent home invasion in Manosque is a stark reminder of the dangers.
  • As crypto becomes more mainstream, so do the risks.
  • Investors need to be more vigilant and take extra security measures.
  • Authorities are stepping up their efforts, but will it be enough to curb this dangerous trend?

Actions